Jan-Feb-2016_Final-1-4-16-attempt2

BEER

ale — Chimay Cinq Cents (the white label), Tripel Karmeliet, Petrus Gouden Tripel, Delirium Tremans, and Corsendonk are often found on shelves.

Corsendonk also makes a double. Basically, the dubbel/ tripel/quadrupel label refers to the amount of malt used to make the beer. The more malt there is, the higher the alcohol content in the finished beer is. So, for example, for a tripel, the brewer would use three times the amount used for the regular, low-ABV “table beer.” Gulden Draak 9000 and St. Bernardus Abt 12 are both good examples of a quadruple, or “quad” style. Lambics are a bit more complex and often are made with fruit. The natural bacteria found on the fruit used in the brewing process will often impart a pleasant sour or tart flavor. Lindeman’s series of lambics can often be found in stores, but note that the tartness is counteracted by added sweetness. Some people like the sweet taste, some prefer a more sour version. Finally, I would be remiss if I left out one of the most food friendly beers out in the market, Saison Dupont.This saison is flavorful but delicate, with an effervescence that lightens the spice of the yeast that’s used. Really, it’s a great go-to beer when it comes to trying to figure out what to pair with a specific dish. Saison Dupont will more often than not do the job beautifully. Other European countries have their own stamps on the beer world. Ireland, of course, is the home to Guinness, a dry Irish stout. Guinness also just released a Nitro IPA in the U.S., in which the hops used are softened by the nitro creaminess. It’s an interesting combination of flavors and textures. Ireland has its lagers as well, Harp being the most popular. Holland is the home of Heineken and Grolsch, both popular export lagers. Moving away from Europe, Japan has a thriving beer culture, which is reflected in themany beer brands that are available in theU.S.Sapphoro, Kirin Ichiban, and Orion breweries brew lagers to complement the delicate cuisine, and newer breweries like Kiuchi are brewing ales as well, like its Hitachino Nest White Ale, a wit style that’s another excellent food pairing beer — no matter what the cuisine.

Mexico also has many lagers to enjoy on a hot summer day — Corona, Modelo, Sol, Tecate, and Dos Equis. Continuing a trip around the world in lagers, try Red Stripe from Jamaica and Fosters from Australia. Lagers dominate the market because the light body and subtle taste holds universal appeal, especially in warm climates. Like the Gulf Coast, for example. Local breweries also continue Old World brewing traditions — in addition to NOLA Brown’s English mild, Abita Amber is a Munich-style lager, based on a classic German regional style. Bayou Teche incorporates aspects from France and Belgium, often using malt and hops from those countries and putting an American twist

on it like its Cocodrie “Triple IPA,” which combines the high booze factor of the Belgian triple-style with large amounts of hops for increased bitterness and flavor. WE’VE GOT THE BEST FOR THE WURST From dark, malty German bocks and crisp, hoppy pilsners and classic Bavarian wheats, we’ve got it. We carry the largest international beer selection on the Gulf Coast. ​

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